The Beat was one of the first records from the emerging new breed of rock & rollers to be released on a major label. Concentrating on jangling, Byrds-like guitars, terse, catch-and-hold choruses and lyrics which addressed everyday concerns, the record defined the kind of skinny-tie power-pop essayed by colleagues like the Knack. Unfortunately, coming on the heels of the backlash accorded that group, and with radio still mostly resistant to this new wave of bands, The Beat never gained the big success they deserved… 
Formed by Paul Collins, former member of the legendary NERVES with Jack Lee and Peter Case. He moved to San Francisco after the Nerves split where he met future the Beat members (Steven Huff, Larry Whitman and Michael Ruiz). Turned onto legendary promoter Bill Graham for management they went on to tour with the likes of the Police, the Jam or Joe Jackson before getting signed to Columbia for whom they recorded this album in 1980.